Encyclopaedia on India

    Introduction The Ajay River stands as one of the notable rivers of eastern India, flowing gracefully through Jharkhand and West Bengal. Its very name, “Ajay,” meaning invincible or unconquerable, captures the spirit of resilience that the river embodies. Unlike the vast stretches of The Ganga or Brahmaputra , the Ajay may be smaller in scale, yet its influence on the land and people has been profound. Over centuries, it has shaped the ecological balance, guided human settlement, and nurtured cultural traditions. From sustaining agriculture to inspiring poets and thinkers, the Ajay River remains a timeless lifeline, weaving together nature, history, and heritage in the region it traverses. Geography of the Ajay River The Ajay River originates from a modest hill about 300 meters high , located southwest of Munger in Bihar. From its source, it flows through Jharkhand before entering West Bengal at Simjuri near Chittaranjan . Along its course, the river serves as a natu...

Introduction Ramrekha Dham, located nearly sixteen miles north-west of Simdega in Jharkhand, stands as the most revered pilgrimage centre of the Kharia tribe. This sacred site is deeply intertwined with the epic narrative of the Ramayana. According to local legend, Lord Rama, accompanied by his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana, spent part of their fourteen years of exile here. Their footprints are believed to be preserved at the site, while a cave on the hill is associated with their sojourn. The shrine enshrines idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Krishna, Radha, Jagannath, and a Shivalinga. A water-pit named Ramganga, said to have been excavated by Rama with his arrow, adds to the sanctity of the place. Mahabiri Jhanda Among the Kharias, the Mahabiri Jhanda serves as a sacred symbol of devotion. It is planted in community spaces and worshipped during Ramnavami, celebrated in the month of Chait Nawami. This ritual reinforces the tribe’s spiritual connection with Lord Rama and thei...